Regenerative Viticulture - Dartington

Led by Justin Howard-Sneyd MW, Melissa Harvey and Nathan Einbinder Our course will explore what are the key principles underpinning the regenerative movement, and with the help of a number of vineyard practitioners in the UK and around the world, will explore which of those practices apply to growing healthy grapes. The programme covers the basics of how soil functions, and how to assess and track soil health, and visits to agroforestry projects on and around the Dartington Estate. We will then discuss how to establish a vineyard with regenerative farming in mind, and techniques that can be practised in vineyards, to maximise soil organic matter and soil carbon, and to increase biodiversity while continuing to protect the crop from major diseases. The evening discussions carry on over dinner, with the help of wines from producers exploring regenerative techniques. We will also share tools and resources to help guide further exploration – podcasts, websites and books to read, and to encourage participants to form their own networks for further information exchange.